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Apr
16
Friday
Apr
16
Fri
The Arts :: Theatre
Original Musical: Welcome to the Void
12:00 AM (America/Denver)
University of Montana
Original Musical: Welcome to the Void Description:
The UM School of Theatre and Dance is thrilled to have found a path forward to continue to create and share the work of students, faculty, staff, and guest artists in these strange new times. The mainstage season and Studio Series for Spring 2021 will be presented virtually, beaming onto patrons’ favorite content-consuming device in safe and innovative ways with the help of online ticketing platform ShowTix4U. Shows will be recorded and purchased tickets will grant online access to each production. Visit the UMArts Box Office webpage to be taken to the online ticketing platform to purchase tickets and stream the show.

The School of Theatre and Dance at the University of Montana will stream its next play, a new musical written by graduate students, “Welcome to the Void,” April 7-18.
 
“Welcome to the Void” may be streamed on demand at any time during its April run. The production is directed by Professor John Kenneth DeBoer. As part of their degree requirements, MFA candidates Jane Best and Elli Caterisano created the script and songs for the production. Additionally, Best will be the show’s music director and Caterisano is a member of the cast.
 
“Welcome to the Void” is an exploration of what humans do to counteract grief and separation. Humans are herd animals: we need each other. In these times of isolation, the realization is reinforced that other people make life worthwhile. Some say that a life lived for others is a life never wasted. “Welcome to the Void” tries to capture that essence by telling the story of six characters living in complete isolation and reflecting on some of the healthy (and not-so-healthy ways) they cope. These six souls telegraph to the audience how we have all been grieving in a multitude of ways during the pandemic … sometimes without even realizing what we've been doing to attempt to feel better. ?
“It has been beyond exciting to see ‘Welcome to the Void’ come to life throughout the rehearsal process, said Best. “Original musicals are hugely collaborative endeavors, and everybody involved has helped this show develop into the version you'll see on your screen. While we specifically set this musical in a non-COVID world, it is a play that, at its heart, explores loneliness, loss, and coping. We wanted to write about the emotions we all have experienced over the past year. If our characters can find a way through, maybe we can, too.” Caterisano also noted the hopeful overtones of the project: “I am excited for audiences to see a little bit of themselves in each of these characters. At a time when a lot of work isn’t being done, we did a thing!”
 
General admission tickets cost $20, senior tickets for those 60 and older cost $16, student tickets cost $12, and tickets for children 12 and younger cost $10. Admission for UM employees is $8. Tickets are available by visiting https://www.umt.edu/umarts/boxoffice/. For more information, email DeBoer at john.deboer@umontana.edu or call him at 406-243-2018. To see more information about the entire spring 2021 Theatre and Dance mainstage and studio season, visit https://www.umt.edu/umarts/boxoffice/.
 
Audience discretion advised: contains adult themes and language.
Get Tickets
Age Group: All Ages
Venue: University of Montana
Address: 32 Campus Dr Missoula, MT 59812
Phone: (406) 243-4581

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